What is post-Weight Loss Surgery?
Extreme weight loss, generally in excess of 60 pounds, can cause excess sagging skin and tissue on multiple areas of the body, including the breasts, upper arms, abdomen, groin, buttocks, and thighs. This occurs because the skin has been stretched and has permanently lost elasticity. Fortunately there are a variety of procedures that involve removing this sagging skin and the surrounding tissue to reshape and contour the body. A breast reduction and/or lift for female patients is a good option for restoring shape to the breast, while male patients can consider a gynecomastia (male breast reduction).
A panniculectomy is another surgical procedure, one that involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdominal region known as the pannus. It is different from an abdominoplasty, which is a procedure that tightens the muscles of the lower abdomen as well as removal of excess skin. A brachioplasty, or arm lift, is an excellent option for removing hanging skin from the upper arms. Similarly, a thigh lift removes fatty tissue and bulky, hanging skin from the inner and outer thighs and around the knee area. Many of our weight loss surgery patients opt to include a buttock lift in addition to a thigh lift, which is effective in improving the contour of the buttocks, groin, and thighs.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Self will meet with you to discuss your options for surgery, and together you will decide which procedure(s) will be best to achieve your desired outcome. Surgical procedures can be combined or spread out over a period of time. For most patients, making the decision to have surgery after significant weight loss is exciting, and the results lead to a huge boost in confidence.
Choosing to undergo weight loss surgery does require a degree of planning and a commitment to adjusting daily activities in order to provide your body with optimal conditions for healing. Dr. Self and his dedicated nursing staff are committed to supporting you throughout your journey to ensure the recovery process goes smoothly and you are pleased with the results of your surgery.